| | | | First look: Zero X, the 100% electric motorbike |  Written: 20/03/2008 : 12:08. Read 11064 times (24/day). | Santa Cruz, California: the Zero X is shipping right now.
It's an off-road motorcycle with all the performance of a traditional gas dirt bike, but without all of the noise, pollution and maintenance hassle.
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The Zero X accelerates from 0-30mph -50km/h) in under 2 seconds!
The Zero's electric motor delivers 23HP and similar performance to a 250cc gas powered off-road motorcycle, but with an electric motor you get 100% torque at all times for instantaneous throttle response and incredible off-the-line performance.
The zero weight 140 pounds (63.6kg) with the batteries: it's power-to-weight ratio is unsurpassed by anyting else on the market.
Batteries
Zero only uses completely safe second-generation lithium ion cells to insure against thermal runaway (fire). The power packs also feature an intelligent monitoring system that constantly tracks the voltage and temperature of each and every cell, and delivers 300 amps of current without overheating.
The batteries are so clean, they are rated for land-fill disposal in the US, Canada and Europe. They are also completely recycleable.
The ZERO X Speed Controller features the ability to customize both the speed and acceleration. With a flip of the switch you can limit the top speed to a "motorized bicycle" legal 30mph (50km/h). Another switch sets the acceleration from a beginner friendly "easy" mode to a wheelie poppin' "sport" mode.
Batteries capacity: 2 kWh (58volts @ 35Ah)
Range: 40 miles (65km)
Recharge time: 2 hours
Input: Standard 110V or 220V
Frame
Created by Neal Saiki (a world renowned and award winning designer) the Zero finely Crafted aircraft aluminum frame weights only 18 pounds (8.2kg)! The frame is welded by hand.
After welding, the entire frame is heat treated to restore the strength around the weld areas. The heat treatment process involves heating the frame in a furnace and then solution-bath quenching the hot metal.
Finally, critical areas such as pivots, brake mounts, and chain-guide mounts are re-milled for absolute accuracy.
Suspensions
The Zero suspension system includes custom-built, fully-adjustable hydraulic front forks.
The rear suspension is a unique double diamond swingarm and adjustable coil-spring rear shock.
Front Suspension Travel: 7 - 8 inches (178 - 203 mm)
Rear Suspension Travel: 9 inches (229 mm)
Brakes
Front Brakes: Fully hydraulic, stainless steel disk, hand controlled
Rear Brakes: Fully hydraulic, stainless steel disk, hand controlled
So what?
Well, the design is not that glorious BUT as one of the first real electric ready to buy motorycle, it's a very important bike. The price is Standard 7450 USD or 8350USD with a german electric engine delivering 10% more power. And for 1000USD, the bike can be shipped to Europe.
I have a dream...
Now, I just can't wait a real electric roadster: a good design, at least something looking like a Suzuki SV650, a 70HP electric engine, a range over 150 miles, a recharge time under 1 hour, and a weight under 100kg...
The ultimate dream? A firewire device to change the engine response curve to simulate any engine behavior...
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| Comments | |
 spoky0 (20-03-2008): I want one, but road legal!
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 frank650klr (21-03-2008): Excellent!
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 adrian (01-04-2008): april 1st ha ha you'll only fool people from wales!
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